Cowrie Shells Collection

Fortune telling with cowrie shells, Saly, Thies, Senegal, West Africa, Africa

Eleven large and small tropical cowrie shells, 1726-1779. Creator: Johann Gustav Hoch
Eleven large and small tropical cowrie shells, 1726-1779

Cowrie shells, 1726-1779. Creator: Johann Gustav Hoch
Cowrie shells, 1726-1779

Warrior of Solor Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia
6339131 Warrior of Solor Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia by Belgian School, (19th century); (add.info.: Warrior of Solor Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia)

Cowrie Shells, 1833-39 (coloured engraving)
999634 Cowrie Shells, 1833-39 (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Dictionnaire pittoresque d histoire naturelle et des phenomAnes de la natureA)

Leather bag with tools, whistles, and shells, 20th Century. Creator: Unknown
The object consists of a dark brown tooled leather bag with attachments of iron tools, wooden whistles, and cowrie shells. The bag is made from two pieces of leather

Eshu Dance Staff 1800s Guinea Coast Nigeria Yoruba people
Eshu Dance Staff, 1800s. Guinea Coast, Nigeria, Yoruba people. Wood, leather, cowrie shells; 62 cm (24 7/16 in.)

An old Pokot woman dancing during an Atelo ceremony. The cow horn container usually contains animal fat

A Msai warrior blows a trumpet fashioned from the horn of a Greater Kudu. The strap is decorated with cowrie shells. Kudu-horn trumpets are only sounded to call men to arms or on ceremonial occasions

Senoufo masks at festivities, Loulouni Village, Sikasso area, Mali, Africa

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Cowrie shells have long been associated with fortune telling in various cultures around the world. In Saly, Thies, Senegal, West Africa, they can used by spiritual practitioners to predict the future and provide guidance. Similarly, on Solor Island in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia, warriors adorned themselves with cowrie shells as a symbol of strength and protection. The significance transcends continents and time periods. An intricately colored engraving from 1833-39 showcases the beauty and allure of these unique treasures. A leather bag discovered in the 20th century contains tools, whistles, and more cowrie shells - a testament to their enduring value. From stringing together delicate strands between 1800 and 1968 to create stunning jewelry pieces whose creators remain unknown; to incorporating them into ceremonial posts in Loikaw village in Myanmar; or even being part of an Atelo ceremony where an old Pokot woman dances with a container made from a cow horn filled with animal fat - these shells hold deep cultural significance. In Africa's diverse communities like Nigeria's Yoruba people or Kenya's Ogiek community of hunter-gatherers living harmoniously with nature; or among Maasai warriors blowing trumpets fashioned from these precious seashells during vibrant celebrations - cowrie shells continue to play an integral role in traditional practices. As we witness a young Hamar girl observing her community's proceedings or marvel at the timeless beauty captured through photographs across different corners of our world - one thing remains clear: Cowrie shells connect us all through their rich history and symbolism.